Depression in older people must be taken seriously

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Depression in older people must be taken seriously

Ngaire Kerse

Saturday 21 December 2024, 12:30 PM

Music and dance can be beneficial for older people with depressive symptoms [Image: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels]

We are on our summer break and the editorial office is closed until 13 January. In the meantime, please enjoy our Summer Hiatus series, in which our journalists curate an eclectic mix from our news and clinical archives throughout the year, The Conversation and other publications we share content with. Please note the comment function has been turned off while we are away. Happy reading!

This article was first published online on 27 March.

Specialist GP Ngaire Kerse examines depression in older people, including how to manage treatment-resistant depression

Key points, In older adults with depression, the first thing is to screen for more major psychiatric conditions and manage medical conditions. Psychological the, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

Older People

Mental Health

Medicines and Therapies

References

1. Steffens DC. Treatment-resistant depression in older adults. N Engl J Med 2024;390(7):630–39.

2. Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR, et al. Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiatry 2006;163(11):1905–17.

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